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WILDCATS MAKE AMENDS FOR ROUND #9 MISCUE WITH SOLID WIN OVER REBELSAfter a very disappointing loss versus the Toronto Dingos the previous weekend, the (5-4) Hamilton Wildcats were
definitely looking to rebound against the struggling (2-6) Lakeshore Rebels at Mohawk Sports Park this past weekend.
The Wildcats had already taken a 1-0 lead in the season series vs. the Rebels and were hoping to make it 2-0 with a solid
performance in front of the home crowd. Still missing several key players due to injury and/or work commitments, the ‘Cats
hoped their youth, speed and heart would carry them through the final few games of the year despite their lack of more
experienced players. The first quarter started with the ‘Cats giant ruckman Jeff Fish winning the bounce, but the Rebels
took control in the first 20 minutes, jumping out to an early lead. Fortunately for Hamilton, Lakeshore’s only shot at
goal resulted in a single and the Wildcat defense keep the home side in the game despite the early pressure from the
Rebels forward line. As the second quarter got underway, the Wildcats offense officially began to wake from their first
quarter slumber with goals from “Rookie of The Year” candidate Derek “8 Staples…that’s all you got” Rutten, 6’8’’ newcomer
Kyle “Tiny” Skinner and veteran ruckman Jeff Fish. The three quick 2nd quarter goals seemed to spark the team all over the
ground, as the fantastic four of Nick DiRago, Justin Johns, Barry “BC” Crow and Paul Lawson absolutely shut down the
Rebels middle four and dominated across the centre of the ground all afternoon. As the Hamilton offense began to fire on
all cylinders at one end of the ground, their backline seemed to be getting stronger as well; repelling any Rebel kick or
offensive wave sent at them. Fullback Greg “Plugger” Young, rookie halfback Justin “ROY” Settle, former full-forward
turned halfback Charles Thompson and flanker Rich “Gumby” Burgess stood on their heads all day long, and their fine
defensive play definitely showed on the scoreboard, as the normally high powered Rebels attack was unable to score a
single goal versus the home side. As the incredible individual performances began to multiply all over the field for the
‘Cats, (4 goal performance from Player/Head Coach Justin Johns) Hamilton eventually ran out winners on the day, defeating
the Lakeshore Rebels 13.5.83to 0.2.2. The (6-4) Wildcats, who are
currently sitting in 4th place on the OAFL ladder, will now try to double their winning streak next Saturday, July 28th at
Mohawk Sports Park starting @ 12noon when they host the (6-3) Broadview Hawks. This weekend’s game could definitely be a
2007 Finals preview, so the more fans we can get on-hand to cheer on the Steeltown boys, the better our chances of
knocking off the high flying Hawks. C’arn the Wildcats!
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